* Technology-Enhanced Learning, CSCL * Engineering Education *

MOOCs and assessment

The Catalan Secretariat for Universities and Research, with the collaboration of UOC, URV and UPF, organized a conference focused on MOOCs on April 11th (#14MOOCs14 project). Conference’s goal was to share the experience of professors that have already created and run a MOOC and discuss doubts of those willing to create one in the near feature. UPF held the conference (video of the conference below, in Catalan) and I coordinated a short workshop focused on assessment and certification in MOOCs.

During the workshop I asked participants to answer two of the questions considered in The Chronicle‘s survey “The Professors Who Make the MOOCs“. I was interested in their opinions around whether free online courses should be integrated into the traditional system of credit and degrees. Certainly the population answering “my survey” was rather small (28) compared to Guardian respondents (103) and that both samples are not representative. Besides, it is also important to notice that they have been answered in different moments of the “MOOCs history” (mine in April 2014 vs. The Chronicle’s in early 2013). Yet, I find interesting to see the trends suggested by both results and their comparison. (BUT let me insist: More than to lead to definitive interpretations, these limited data may serve to stimulate discussion. Deeper reflections about the topic are needed.)

Do you believe students who succeed in your MOOC deserve formal credit from your home institution?

Do you believe your home institution will eventually grant formal credit to students who succeed in your MOOC?

I also include below the material-conclusions of the workshop (in Catalan), and a translated table of the slide on “certifications”.